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RDAP Facility

Sandstone FCI

Low

Federal Correctional Institution

Sandstone FCI is a federal correctional institution in Sandstone, Minnesota, housing approximately 1,205 people. Below you'll find insider tips, programs, visiting hours, and preparation resources.

Last verified: March 5, 2026

FCINorth Central RegionMale

What to Expect at Sandstone FCI

Location & Travel

  • •Location & Travel: FCI Sandstone is 100 miles northeast of Minneapolis–St. Paul and 70 miles southwest of Duluth, off I-35 (Sandstone exit, follow Hwy 23 to Route 123 east). Served by Greyhound.
  • •Location & Travel: Grand Northern Inn — 320-384-4702
  • •Location & Travel: Grand Hinckley Inn — 800-468-3517
  • •Location & Travel: America's Best Value Inn — 320-384-6112

Communication & Mail

  • •Visiting: Saturday, Sunday, and Federal Holidays 8:30 AM–3:30 PM. Odd/even rotation based on fifth digit of registration number. Limited to 6 visits per month, max 6 visitors at a time.

Daily Life

  • •Programs: UNICOR graphics factory (~124 workers) and services factory (~88 workers).

Insider Information

Housing

TVs in each housing unit, viewable during off-duty hours. During working hours, at staff discretion.

Phone Policy

300 minutes per month, 15-minute call limit, **10-number caller list** (unusually low). Phone room Mon–Fri 6:00 AM–11:30 PM. Operating hours: weekdays 6:00–7:30 AM, 10:30 AM–1:00 PM, 4:30–9:30 PM; weekends/holidays 7:00–9:30 AM, 10:30 AM–3:30 PM, 4:30–9:30 PM. Unmonitored legal calls by advance request.

Library

Electronic Law Library with inmate law clerk. Electric typewriters and copier. Leisure library with periodicals, newspapers, fiction, non-fiction, reference books. Inter-library loan program.

UNICOR

Graphics factory (~124 workers) and services factory (~88 workers). Work hours Mon–Fri 7:45 AM–3:30 PM.

Psychology/Counseling Services

The Psychology Services department is staffed by a Chief Psychologist, Staff Psychologist, a Drug Abuse Coordinator, and four Drug Treatment Specialists. The facility offers a nine-month, 500-hour Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), a non-residential drug treatment program (NRDAP), and specialized mental health programs. Consultations and crisis intervention counseling are also available. Psychiatric medication needs are arranged on a consultation basis through Health Services.

Health Services

Emergency medical care is available 24 hours a day, with the local hospital three miles away. Clinical staff are on duty daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM and on call between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. The pill line runs weekdays at 6:15 to 6:45 AM and 4:45 PM; weekends and holidays at 7:00 to 7:45 AM and 4:45 PM. Sick call sign-up is Monday through Friday from 6:15 to 6:45 AM. Periodic age-specific preventative health examinations are available.

Fitness & Recreation

The Recreation Department offers organized and informal games, sports, physical fitness, table games, hobby crafts, music programs, intramural activities, social and cultural organizations, and movies. The gymnasium, recreation yard, and hobby craft center are open daily.

Religious Services

The Religious Services Department provides pastoral care and religious accommodations for individual and group beliefs and practices. Chaplains offer worship, education, counseling, spiritual direction, support, and crisis intervention. They also oversee the religious diet program, ceremonial meals, and holiday observances. Faith-based reentry programs such as Life Connections and Threshold are available.

Commissary

See the full commissary list for Sandstone FCI below, including available items and pricing.

View Sandstone FCI Commissary List↗

Become Extraordinary and Compelling!

Live as the CEO of your life at Sandstone FCI by posting journal entries, release plans, and book reports at PrisonProfessors.org—so others can hold you accountable while you build skills and earn freedom through merit.

Preparing for Self-Surrender at Sandstone FCI

Sandstone FCI is a Federal Correctional Institution. FCIs house people of varying security levels and typically offer educational, vocational, and treatment programs to support rehabilitation and reentry.

Pre-Surrender Checklist

  • •Bring your contact list and release plan
  • •Close out work and professional obligations
  • •Set up power of attorney and financial access
  • •Handle all medical preparations
  • •Choose one primary point of contact
  • •Prepare your family for phone and visitation limits
  • •Pack only what the facility allows
  • •Arrange transportation and surrender details
  • •Form a reading list before you arrive
  • •Know which programs are actually offered

Helpful Resources

Top 10 Self Surrender Checklist

Visitation Information For Families

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Programs & Services

Education Programs

  • GED
  • ESL
  • Adult Continuing Education
  • Parenting Classes
  • College Correspondence Courses

Vocational Training

  • Culinary Arts
  • Welding

Health & Wellness

  • 500-Hour RDAP (Nine-Month)
  • Non-Residential Drug Treatment (NRDAP)
  • Specialized Mental Health Programs
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Psychiatric Medication Consultations
  • Sick Call (Mon–Fri 6:15–6:45 AM)

Recreation

  • Organized Sports
  • Physical Fitness
  • Table Games
  • Hobby Crafts
  • Music Programs
  • Intramural Activities
  • Movies

Reentry Preparation

  • Life Connections Program
  • Threshold Program
  • Non-Residential Drug Treatment (NRDAP)

Visiting Information

Regular Visiting Hours

  • Saturday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Federal Holidays: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Important Notes

  • • Valid government-issued photo ID required
  • • All visitors subject to search
  • • Dress code enforced

Note: Visiting schedules may vary. Contact the facility directly for the most current visiting hours and procedures. For a complete breakdown of visitation rules, dress code, and how to get approved, visit our Visitation Guide.

What a Smaller Facility Means for You

With a population of approximately 1,205 people, Sandstone FCI is a smaller facility — and that has real implications for daily life, programming, and how you're treated.

Pros

  • ✓Easier to build relationships with staff — case managers and counselors are more likely to know you personally, which can help with halfway house and home confinement recommendations
  • ✓Shorter lines for commissary, phones, sick call, and laundry — daily logistics have less friction
  • ✓Fewer interpersonal conflicts — smaller populations generally mean a calmer, more predictable environment
  • ✓More structured environment — staff can maintain closer oversight, which often means clearer expectations and fewer surprises

Cons

  • ✗Fewer program options — vocational training, education, and RDAP slots may be limited, and waitlists can be unpredictable
  • ✗Less anonymity — staff and other people know your business, which can feel suffocating
  • ✗Limited work assignments — fewer UNICOR slots and job options mean less flexibility in how you spend your time
  • ✗Disciplinary issues are more visible — any problems stand out quickly in a smaller population

Frequently Asked Questions About Sandstone FCI

Sandstone FCI is a low-security Federal Correctional Institution. Unlike a federal prison camp, it generally has double perimeter fencing and more structured movement, though programming and work opportunities are still available.

Yes. Sandstone FCI offers the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). Eligibility depends on sentencing documents and BOP evaluation. Successful completion may result in sentence reduction.

With a population of approximately 1,205, Sandstone FCI operates as a larger facility. This can affect program availability, staff visibility, and housing density.

Individuals reporting to Sandstone FCI typically undergo intake processing including identification verification, medical screening, housing assignment, and orientation specific to this institution's low-security level and cell-based housing structure.

Visiting at Sandstone FCI typically takes place on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. All visitors must be on the approved visiting list and present a valid government-issued photo ID upon arrival. Visitors should follow the BOP dress code: no revealing clothing, no clothing that resembles prisoner uniforms (typically khaki or orange), and no open-toed shoes at some facilities. Contact Sandstone FCI directly or check the BOP website for the most current schedule and any facility-specific restrictions.

Funds for individuals at Sandstone FCI should be sent through BOP-approved methods: MoneyGram, Western Union, or U.S. Postal Money Orders. All funds are processed through the Federal Bureau of Prisons' centralized National Finance Center in Des Moines, Iowa — not sent directly to Sandstone FCI. Money orders should be made payable to the individual's committed name and include their BOP register number. Allow 7–10 business days for processing.

Individuals at Sandstone FCI have access to three primary communication channels. Phone: you receive 300 free phone minutes per month if you are First Step Act eligible, then you pay six cents a minute for up to 210 additional minutes. Calls cut off after 15 minutes, and calls will come from a 202 number or private caller. Phone access is seven days a week. Email: the TRULINCS system allows electronic messaging for a small per-minute fee. Regular mail: letters and cards can be sent and received through the U.S. Postal Service. Mail can be sent to: INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBER | FCI Sandstone | Federal Correctional Institution | P.O. Box 1000 | Sandstone, MN 55072.

The commissary at Sandstone FCI operates on a set schedule and offers snacks, beverages, hygiene products, over-the-counter medications, writing materials, stamps, and limited clothing items. The standard monthly spending limit is $360 (excluding telephone credits, stamps, and OTC medications). Some facilities implement this as a bi-weekly $180 cap. A current commissary list is typically available through the unit team.

Length of stay at Sandstone FCI varies based on sentence length, offense type, and good conduct time calculations. Individuals at low-security facilities typically serve sentences ranging from one year to well over a decade, depending on circumstances.

The Bureau of Prisons requires all facilities to offer literacy and GED programs for individuals without a high school diploma. Sandstone FCI provides educational programming that may include GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), and post-secondary education opportunities through correspondence or partnerships. Current offerings include: GED, ESL, Adult Continuing Education, Parenting Classes, College Correspondence Courses. Availability may change based on staffing and enrollment.

The BOP enforces a dress code for all visitors. Clothing must not be revealing — no low-cut tops, shorts above the knee, or see-through materials. Visitors should avoid wearing colors that match prisoner uniforms (typically khaki, orange, or olive drab). Open-toed shoes may be prohibited at some facilities. Undergarments are required. Visitors who do not meet dress code standards may be turned away. Contact Sandstone FCI in advance if you have questions about specific items.

Yes, but publications must be sent directly from the publisher, a bookstore, or a book club — not from an individual. Hardcover and softcover books, newspapers, and magazines are generally permitted as long as they do not contain content deemed a security threat. Used books are typically not accepted. All incoming publications are subject to inspection by mailroom staff at Sandstone FCI.

Sandstone FCI is located in Sandstone, Minnesota, within the North Central Region of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Contact the facility directly for driving directions and nearby lodging options.

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How Long Will You Actually Serve?

Federal sentences are not always served in full. Good time credit, the First Step Act, and RDAP can significantly reduce your time served.

Estimate Your Actual Release Date

RDAP Program Available

This facility offers the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), which can reduce your sentence by up to 12 months.

Nine-month, 500-hour RDAP. Also offers non-residential drug treatment (NRDAP) and specialized mental health programs. Staffed by Chief Psychologist, Staff Psychologist, Drug Abuse Coordinator, and four Drug Treatment Specialists.

View All RDAP Facilities

Contact Information

2300 County Rd 29

Sandstone, Minnesota 55072

320-245-2262

Mailing Address

INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBER

FCI Sandstone

Federal Correctional Institution

P.O. Box 1000

Sandstone, MN 55072

Questions? Call us now: 949-799-3277

Facility Details

Security Level
Low
Facility Type
FCI
Region
North Central
Gender
Male
Population
1,205
Updated: Mar 5, 2026

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Security Notice

All phone calls are recorded. All emails are saved. Mail can be read by staff.